How effective would it be if we let our customers tell us the features they want in a product we are planning to build, and let them prioritize these features and then we prioritize them against criteria that maximizes customer value and minimizes cost, build those features and make the product available to the market – resulting in maximum return on investment with a product our customers love!

Well, If the above appeals to you Rational Focal Point is your answer. From my experience with Focal Point over the last few years I have realised that this is one scenario which would be an eye catcher for many of us in this industry. I would definitely want to get you to know more about this tool. Let me introduce Focal Point to you more formally - its a unique management tool which automates, improves and supports product management and portfolio management. Be it something relatively simple as to what features would go into the product you build to making a more complex and important decision on which product to build, this tool come in very handy.

Making the right decision is always a challenge. We can make an adhoc and intuitive decision based on previous experiences or a more formal and a calculated one which is based on more critical business issues such as customer priority , market scenario etc.

Let me give you an example:

When we have two alternatives and one criteria, like which of the two between cars A and B is better in terms of mileage, its an easy comparison. But when we include more criteria to the list like which one has better mileage, comfort, speed, looks etc and then make a choice on the best alternative then it becomes a little complex. Imagine a situation where we need to choose between more alternatives (cars) C, D, E and F with increasing criteria set!With Focal Point we solve this situation by doing a pair wise comparison. Compare two alternatives at a time according to one criterion. Then combine all of this and visualize your choices.Sounds easy? You could also have multiple people making their choices based on their priorities and opinions and then get an overall visualization of them.

Now, a few features of Focal Point:

Web Client - A browser is all the end user needs.

Access control through views

A multisite collaboration platform,

Powerful filtering techniques

Built in graphs to enhance visualization.

Easy data transfer(import/export)

Send email notifications on alert situations

Powerful reporting

Take advantage of the Rational Innovate 2011 - Bangalore and Delhi when we showcase and talk about a number of such solutions. We have planned a number of tracks, Sessions and technical Workshops.

Read and Register at https://www-01.ibm.com/software/in/rational/innovate/register.html